Until recently, The Old Queen's Head in Islington had been the home of Lucky Chip and a great place for a Sunday lunch, but now they're about to launch something brand new - Hot Saint Pizza.
The Islington pub was taken over by the Columbo Group (who also run The Parakeet) 20 years ago, so they're using the excuse of their 20th anniversary for a big overhaul in the food. Hot Saint comes from Tom Budakan, an ex-Dough Hands chef, so he knows what he's doing when it comes to pizza. And apparently, he's even previously been a DJ in the pub.
His 48-hour fermented pizza dough uses high-protein Canadian flour, which they say will have a "slightly nutty flavour and the perfect chew". As for what you'll find on those pizza bases, alongside a classic cheese pie and pepperoni, toppings include:
- Spicy Hawaiian: San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, guanciale & smoked ham hock, pineapple, smoked chilli and jalapeños
- Meatball Ricotta: San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, house meatballs, ricotta & parmesan
- Vodka Pesto: vodka sauce, stracciatella, pesto, parmesan.
We'll admit we're quite suspicious about Hawaiian pizzas, but that version does sound intriguing. They'll also have pizza sandwiches, including the Spicy Chicken Parm with vodka sauce, fior di latte, pesto and basil alongside the House Meatball, with vodka sauce, smoked mozzarella, pesto and red onion. And the dessert sounds fantastic - it's a banana miso soft serve.
So, if you're a regular at the pub, promising new food is incoming and if you're not, this is a great new pizza opening in Islington to watch.
More about Hot Saint at the Old Queen's Head
Where is it? 44 Essex Rd, London N1 8LN
When does it start? 16 February 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @hotsaintpizza.
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